The Penticton Vees came out flying and were just to much to handle for the Smoke Eaters as they take Saturday’s game 7-1 at Cominco Arena.

The Smoke Eaters will try and forget this one and look forward to next weekend vs Salmon Arm following back to back losses to the Vees. A 7-1 loss is never pretty but the Vees just seemed a step ahead for most of the weekend against a Trail side that is still gelling and learning to play with each other. They also went up against a Vees team that is clearly built and was pulled together for big things. The Smoke Eaters themselves are also well put together, but it might just be finding the right fit for so many of these players that come from different backgrounds.

It looked like a more determined Trail side tonight as once again they went for a quick start testing Derek Krall early but a rush the other way and a bad rebound lead to the opening goal for the Vees. In a game where the Smokies netminder(s) let 7 go in its hard to point out the goaltending as a highlight of the night but that is just the case. Buskey clearly didn’t let the first one bother him and gave his team a chance to tie it for as long as he could. He came up with this massive save to deny DiPaolo on the cross ice pass from O’brien.

From there it was a night to forget for Buskey as his night would end after he allowed the fifth Vees goal. for the second time in as many games Terness would come in to relieve the smokies starter. Terness did well for himself the young netminder making 21 saves on 23 shots including a massive breakaway save moments after coming into the crease.

The Smoke Eaters again would get a goal in the third to break the shutout bid for the Vees goal keeper. Once again it was Owen Ozar largely involved in the play as he stripped the puck from Martini behind the Vees net and then tried to wrap it and tuck it himself but had the puck escaped his reach. Michael Colella was there however to put his first BCHL and Smoke Eaters goal past Krall to make it 7-1

As mentioned the Smoke Eaters will try and forget this one and start preparing for Salmon Arm who come to Trail next weekend. They’ll look to bounce back and prove any of the naysayers wrong, Remember it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish and the Smoke Eaters have plenty of time to work out any wrinkles.